Checklist of items to bring

When visiting a veteran service officer it is important to bring certain documents to the meeting. Not every document is needed for every claim or benefit application, however, having more information at the initial meeting helps begin the process faster.

The American Legion, Department of Michigan Veteran Services Division

Our American Veterans who have served this country should receive the benefits they have earned from the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration in a timely manner.

The American Legion, Department of Michigan hires and trains accredited Veteran service officers to the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration regulations and with American Legion resources and training to be current on benefits available to military Veterans and their families.

American Legion, Department of Michigan accredited Veteran service officers assist Veterans, located throughout the state, in filling out the appropriate forms correctly, filing the forms and evidence with the USDVA, and being the point of contact for Veterans as the claim process moves forward. If the claim is denied the American Legion will represent the Veteran in front of the appeals board at the regional offices and at the Washington, D.C. offices at no charge to the Veteran.

Are You a Current Member of the Military, a Military Veteran, or Family Member, and Resident of the State of Michigan seeking help with obtaining Veteran Affairs Benefits?

The Veterans Administration was created to help our American Veterans, established after World War 1 they created programs and benefits to help those who had served under honorable conditions. As a service member, you may have received some sort of Transition Assistance Program classes before you were discharged out, however, at the time you only wanted to get home.

Did you miss the part about the health care benefits or compensation and pension?

Now that you have been home a while, yes you may qualify for benefits other than the educational benefits of the GI Bill. As an older veteran from another wartime era, you too may be eligible for benefits you have long been eligible for and entitled to but have not taken advantage of them.

Don’t Face the VA Alone….

Congress authorized veterans to have a 3rdparty represent them at the VA for the purpose of their claim processing. The veteran may assign a “power of attorney” to an individual or an organization to properly represent them. In the case of the Michigan Veterans Coalition, the veteran would have a “power of attorney” with one of the 5 organizations. The organization would hold the POA for the life of the claim. Why is this important? A veteran’s claim may be denied by the Veterans Administration; however, the veteran has a right of appeal. With coalition members, we are 1 floor down from the Detroit Regional office where the claim was submitted. If the claim goes to Washington, D.C. during the appeals process the national organizations of the various coalition members would oversee the appeal there. At “NO COST” to the veteran.

Beware of Attorney’s

Several years ago the US Congress authorized that attorneys may represent veterans in the claims process. Be aware that they may charge you for these services (sometimes taking 25%-30% of any lump sum compensation). The Michigan Veterans Coalition members have been representing veterans for over 80 years and have over 125 years of accredited veteran service experience on staff and ready to work for you.